Who is the most outstanding poet in Chinese history?

It’s Qu Yuan.

The first great patriotic poet to leave his name in the history of Chinese literature. His appearance marks that Chinese poetry has entered a new era from collective singing to individual singing.

Qu Yuan (340 BC - 278 BC) was a native of the Chu state during the Warring States Period. His surname was Mi, his family name was Qu, his given name was Ping, his courtesy name was Yuan, and he was named Xing. He also said in "Li Sao": " His name is Zhengzexi, and his courtesy name is Lingjun." Born in Danyang, Chu State (now Xixia, Henan or Zigui, Hubei), he was China's earliest romantic poet and a descendant of Qu Xia, the son of King Wu of Chu Xiong Tong.

Qu Yuan (340 BC - 278 BC) is the earliest romantic poet in China. His original surname is Mi (mǐ), his given name is Ping, and his courtesy name is Yuan. He is a descendant of Qu Xia, the son of Xiong Tong, King Wu of Chu. The first great patriotic poet to leave his name in the history of Chinese literature. His appearance marks that Chinese poetry has entered a new era from collective singing to individual singing.

Qu Yuan’s life experience. The material recording Qu Yuan’s life experience is earlier and more specific in "Historical Records·Biography of Qu Yuan". Before Sima Qian, Jia Yi wrote a poem in memory of Qu Yuan when he was relegated to Changsha and passing through the Xiang River. The article quotes some passages from Qu Yuan's "Li Sao" and "Nine Chapters" to recount Qu Yuan's thoughts and experiences, which are completely consistent with what is recorded in "Historical Records". Contemporaries of Sima Qian but slightly earlier include Dongfang Shuo who wrote "Seven Remonstrances", and Zhuang Ji (who was a strict avoidant of taboos in the Eastern Han Dynasty) wrote "The Ming of the Time", both of which imitated Qu Yuan's works. Qu Yuan's thoughts and experiences are described in the article. It is also close to what is stated in "Historical Records", so Qu Yuan's deeds recorded in "Historical Records" are basically credible. Of course, there are also occasional omissions or misremembering of historical facts in the biography.

Born in Lepingli, Sanlu Township, Zigui in 340 BC, Qu Yuan was diligent and studious since childhood, and Qu Yuan had great ambitions. In his early years, he was trusted by King Huai of Chu and served as Zuotu and Sanlu. He often discussed state affairs with King Huai, participated in the formulation of laws, advocated clear rules, promoted talents, reformed politics, united Qi to resist Qin, and advocated "beautiful government" . With Qu Yuan's efforts, Chu's national strength increased. However, due to his upright character, he was unwilling to listen to the Shangguan officials when revising the laws and regulations. In addition, Zilan, the minister of King Huai of Chu, Jin Shang, the Shangguan official, and his beloved concubine Zheng Xiu were bribed by Zhang Yi, the envoy of the State of Qin, which not only prevented King Huai from accepting Qu Yuan's opinions, but also alienated Qu Yuan. In 305 BC, Qu Yuan objected to King Chu Huai's signing of the Yellow Thorn Alliance with Qin, but Chu still completely fell into the arms of Qin. As a result, Qu Yuan was also expelled from Yingdu by King Huai of Chu and began his life in exile. As a result, King Huai of Chu was lured away by the state of Qin under the strong instigation of his youngest son Zilan and others, and died in prison in the state of Qin. After King Xiang of Chu came to the throne, Qu Yuan continued to be persecuted and was exiled to the south of the Yangtze River. In 278 BC, Qin general Bai Qi led his troops south and captured the capital of Chu. Qu Yuan's political ideals were shattered and he despaired of his future. Although he wanted to serve his country, he was unable to save his life and had to die to express his ambition. In May of the same year He committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo River out of spite. The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is now designated as the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate Qu Yuan.

"The morning trip to Zhuxi is in vain, the evening is in the morning sun..."; "I entered Xupu and wandered here, and I was confused and didn't know what I was doing..." During his exile, Qu Yuan left a lot for future generations. Immortal masterpiece. His works have gorgeous words, strange imagination, novel metaphors and profound connotations, and have become one of the origins of Chinese literature.

"The water in Canglang is clear, so I can wash my tassel; the water in Canglang is turbid, I can wash my feet." After Qu Yuan was exiled, in a conversation with his fisherman, the fisherman advised him He "gets along with the world" and does not "think deeply and exalt himself" and bring trouble to himself. Qu Yuan said that he would rather throw himself into the river and die than let his innocent body suffer the dust of the world. According to the fisherman, one does not need to be too arrogant in life. If the world is clean and honest, you can become an official; if the world is turbid, you can rise and fall with the world. As for "thinking deeply and exalting" and ending up in exile, it is unnecessary. The conversation between Qu Yuan and the fisherman showed two philosophies of life. In 278 BC, the Qin State captured Yingdu, the capital of the Chu State. On May 5 of that year, out of despair and grief, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Miluo River with a large stone in his arms and died. The Dragon Boat Festival is said to have come from this.